10 important facts you need to know about pets - how to take better care of your dog

Dogs are our loyal friends, returning our love with wagging tails, warm looks, and genuine joy. To help them live long, healthy, and happy lives, it's important to know some basic facts about their care—from recognizing their emotional needs to a healthy diet and a safe home environment.

How to recognize if your dog needs more attention?

Dogs often tell us that they need more attention, even if they don't say it verbally. Some signs include:

  • increased barking or whining,
  • behavioral changes (withdrawal, restlessness),
  • seeking contact with you more often than usual,
  • destroying objects or scratching doors.

Research shows that a lack of interaction and activity in dogs can lead to so-called behavioral disorders due to lack of stimulation. (1*) Enough play, learning, and exercise are crucial for their mental and physical health.

Dog health and nutrition - what you need to know for a long and happy life

Proper nutrition is the foundation of good health. Dogs need a balanced ratio of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. (2*) Inadequate nutrition can lead to obesity, nutrient deficiencies or metabolic diseases. (3*)

It is also important to provide your dog with regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. Regular oral hygiene, coat, eye, and ear care, and maintaining a healthy weight have been proven to extend a dog's lifespan. (4*)

The Impact of the Environment on Your Dog's Health: Tips for Creating a Safe Home

Home should be a place where your dog feels safe and relaxed. This means:

  • removing poisonous plants and dangerous chemicals from reach,
  • protection of electrical cables and sharp objects,
  • providing a quiet corner for rest.

Exposure to toxic substances such as cleaning products, pesticides, or certain plants can cause acute poisoning in dogs. (5*) It is also important to keep your dog at an appropriate room temperature, as overheating or hypothermia can seriously endanger his health. (6*)

Conclusion

Caring for a dog is more than just providing food and shelter. It is a holistic approach that includes physical care, emotional connection, regular health monitoring, and a safe environment. By incorporating these 10 key facts into your daily life, you will ensure your dog has a long, happy life filled with adventures together.

Literature: (*)

  1. Source: Dog social behavior and communication, (J. Bradshaw, N. Rooney), https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/domestic-dog/dog-social-behavior-and-communication
  2. Source: Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals, (SL Sanderson), https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals
  3. Source: Obesity-related metabolic dysfunction in dogs: a comparison with human metabolic syndrome, (A. Tvarijonaviciute, JJ Ceron, SL Holden, DJ Cuthbertson, V. Biourge, PJ Morris, AJ German), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3514388/
  4. Source: Risk Factors Associated with Lifespan in Pet Dogs Evaluated in Primary Care Veterinary Hospitals, (SR Urfer, M. Wang, M. Yang, EM Lund, SL Lefebvre), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30870610/
  5. Source: Toxicology of household cleaning products and disinfectants, (AM Kore, A. Kiesche-Nesselrodt), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2180194/
  6. Source: Temperature Requirements for Dogs (Animal Care Tech Note, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ac-tech-note-temp-req-dogs.pdf
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